Feeling a little too full after you eat? Indigestion can take the enjoyment out of eating and leave you feeling less than your best afterwards. Symptoms of indigestion include gas, bloating, cramping, constipation and diarrhea. These symptoms can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable and can also mean your body is not receiving the proper nutrients it needs from the food you consume.

But who wants to spend their life relying on laxatives? There are more well-tolerated, natural ways to keep symptoms at bay and keep those pipes moving.

Herbal Supplements for Digestion
Instead of grabbing products like laxatives that can be harsh on the system, there are natural remedies that can either be taken when symptoms occur or on a daily basis as maintenance to prevent the onset of symptoms. Here are some of the most reliable herbal solutions:

Triphala -- A trusted treatment in Ayurvedic medicine, triphala is a blend of three fruit extracts -- Emblica offinalis, Terminalia belerica and Terminalia chebula -- referred to as "good manager of the house." These three fruits help the body better break down food to prevent bloating, gas and constipation. This antioxidant-rich supplement benefits anyone prone to these symptoms regularly.

Aloe Vera -- Whether drank in juice form or taken as softgels, aloe vera is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids that promote proper digestion by strengthening the digestive system as a whole to make breaking down food easier. Aloe vera also promotes healing and can be beneficial to anyone suffering from ulcers.

Peppermint -- This herb is a great way to get relief if you're experiencing digestive issues. The oil in peppermint leaves helps to soothe and relax the muscles that make up the stomach. By doing this, the flow of bile is improved to promote digestion as well as the release of gas that can be painful. However, anyone with gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) shouldn't take peppermint.

Caraway Seed -- These seeds are commonly eaten in Europe during or after a meal to promote proper digestion. They're now available in supplement form to be taken before meals to prevent digestive issues and ease conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Caraway seeds are high in lutein and beta carotene for antioxidant protection.

Probiotics
Taking probiotics helps restore the balance of gut flora in the digestive system. Specifically, they can be found within the intestines, making sure there is a healthy population of good bacteria there to promote proper digestion as well as overall health. Probiotics are living microorganisms that help to keep bad bacteria from causing illness by supporting the immune system. By promoting proper digestion, probiotics have been shown to help with a number of health conditions ranging from acne to cancer. You can determine which one to take based on your needs and the desired form.

Fiber
One of the most highly recommended components of the daily diet is fiber. Found in fruits and vegetables as well as grains, fiber is carbohydrates that help to keep the digestive system regular by binding with stools to promote proper removal from the body. Fiber is also important for heart health and can help to bring down "bad" (LDL) cholesterol levels. The recommended daily allowance of fiber for adult women is between 21 and 25 grams and between 30 and 38 grams for adult men.

Enzymes
Plant enzymes help the body break down the main components of food -- protein, fats and carbohydrates -- for proper digestion. This also ensures the proper nutrients needed by the body are assimilated and utilized to provide the maximum nutritional benefit. Common enzymes include bromelain, ox bile, papain and pancreatin, which are available in capsule form for daily use. These enzymes prevent cramping, bloating and gas as well as constipation or diarrhea.

These natural remedies can help keep your body on track to help you feel your best. You'll get the added benefits of antioxidants and vitamins and fewer embarrassing moments during quiet meetings.

Products you may like:

Medical Futures Inc Iberogast Why you may like this product? Taken daily, this herbal blend
has been shown to prevent and
ease symptoms of indigestion.
With peppermint and caraway
seed, Iberogast can help
prevent symptoms of irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS).

Now Foods Peppermint Gels Why you may like this product? Enteric coated softgels are
better transported through the
entire digestive system to
provide relief from symptoms
of indigestion. This
supplement also includes
ginger oil and fennel oil
which also help with heartburn
and nausea.

Cerburg ProFibe Why you may like this product? A highly trusted fiber
supplement, this powder is
tasteless, with a light
vanilla scent, and can be
added to both beverages and
prepared foods to help you get
your recommended daily fiber
intake. Fiber promotes proper
digestion and can also lower
cholesterol.

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